Does a person have to prove actual harm in order to sue for libel?

In New Hampshire, a person suing for libel does not have to prove actual harm. This is because New Hampshire has a strict liability standard for libel actions. This means that if a defamatory statement is made that is untrue, the person who made the statement is liable for damages caused by the statement regardless of intent or negligence. However, that does not mean that a person suing for libel can get any amount of damages they want. In order for a person to collect damages for libel in New Hampshire, they must show that the defendant made a false statement of fact that harmed the plaintiff’s reputation. This means that to win a libel suit, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s statement caused them actual harm, such as financial or emotional distress. The plaintiff does not have to prove that they were actually harmed, only that the statement caused them to suffer some sort of harm. For example, if a false statement is made about a person that causes them to be ridiculed or ostracized, the plaintiff may be able to win damages for this harm. Although New Hampshire’s libel-law does not require a person to prove actual harm in order to sue for libel, they must still prove that the statement was false and that it caused them to suffer some sort of harm. This is important to keep in mind when making public statements about people that could be considered defamatory.

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Does a person have to prove actual harm in order to sue for libel?

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